HEYSHAM hero John McGuinness is in third place on the grid as his bike season starts in earnest on Saturday as he tackles the Northern Irish roads.

McGuinness is behind Michael Rutter and Bruce Anstey for the blue ribbon superbike race at the North West 200 series.

Riding his HM Plant Honda, McGuinness was not far behind the front two as he clocked 122.05mph He is in fifth place on the grid for the Supersport 600 race and second for the 250cc event.

McGuinness is among the favourites for the events as he warms up for next month's centenary Isle of Man TT series.